Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa has delivered heartbreaking news to fans, revealing she may be forced into early retirement due to a chronic back condition that has plagued her for years. In an emotional interview with Eurosport, the 27-year-old admitted she is delaying surgery until she officially steps away from the sport.
Despite the intense physical toll, Badosa continues to compete with the aid of painkillers and regular injections, even though she knows they’re damaging her long-term health. “Every day I wake up afraid,” she said. “Some nights I can’t sleep, worrying whether my back will allow me to live a normal life the next day.”
She explained that the injury, which resembles a shifted hernia pressing on a nerve, now severely affects her day-to-day functionality. “This time it’s different. The pain is touching my nerve. With that, I can’t even lead a normal life,” Badosa said.
Although Badosa hasn’t set a definitive retirement date, she shared that her decision will ultimately rest with her medical team. “I’ve told my doctor that until I have no other option but surgery, I will keep playing. If that means stopping at 30 or 32, so be it.”
The former world No. 2 recently withdrew from the Madrid Open before her second-round match and is now focusing on trying to be fit for the upcoming French Open. She acknowledged that her injury is permanent and will affect her even after her career ends.
“Tennis gives me so much — I’m passionate about it. That’s what keeps me going,” she said. “But when it’s time to stop, I’ll go straight to the operating room.”
